Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) has temporarily closed its doors effective Nov. 1 while its Board of Trustees determines the best course of action. According to a Nov. 3 report, the closure follows an increasingly difficult financial environment marked by declining grant funding and donations alongside growing demand for services.
Interim CEO Caitlin Rangel stated that the organization's greatest sadness is knowing that the need for these services has not gone away. Rangel expressed gratitude to the individuals who have provided time, resources, expertise, and heart to the organization, noting that the accomplishments made through the food bank belong to the community.
Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran issued a statement on Facebook describing the closure as a travesty that leaves a significant void in Utah County. Beltran noted that the organization has provided essential services to vulnerable residents for decades. The commissioner stated that the transition involves more than 20,000 residents who rely on these services and more than 50 dedicated employees.
Beltran said the organization is working to coordinate efforts to ensure critical services continue with minimal disruption. This includes taking over operations of the Utah County Warming Center, which was scheduled to open Nov. 1. The commissioner also recognized several furloughed Community Action employees who are volunteering their time to help transition the Warming Center operations.
For generations, CASFB has worked to help individuals and families overcome hunger, housing instability, and poverty. The organization's work has historically been supported by employees, volunteers, donors, funders, and community partners to strengthen communities throughout Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties.
The organization acknowledged that the temporary closure will create uncertainty for its clients, employees, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
